New Delhi: US President Donald Trump recently claimed that fewer than 20 Israeli hostages held hostage by Hamas in Gaza are now alive. During a press conference in the Oval Office, he said, “Now they have 20 hostages, but perhaps this number is also not correct, because some hostages are no longer alive.”
This statement has increased fear and anxiety among the families of the hostages. Trump termed this act of Hamas as ‘extortion’ and said, “We are trying our best to free the hostages, but it is not easy. This extortion has to end.”
Israel warns Hamas
Israel warned on Friday, 22 August, that if Hamas does not release all the hostages and lay down arms, Gaza City will be destroyed. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said, “The gates of hell will open on Hamas’ killers and criminals, unless they agree to Israel’s conditions of releasing the hostages and laying down arms.”
Anger among hostages’ families
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum gave a strong response to Trump’s statement. The forum said, ‘Mr. President, there are 50 hostages. The life of every hostage is precious to us.’ They also targeted Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who held talks with the US without talking to the families. The forum demanded that if Dermer has any new information, the families should be told first. Last week, people in Israel demonstrated for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
Iran increases weapons manufacturing
Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh claimed that the Islamic Republic has set up weapons manufacturing facilities in several countries. In an interview with the Young Journalists Club, he said that missile development is his priority, but priorities may change after the war with Israel. He did not specify which countries these facilities are located in, but stated that their formal inauguration will take place soon. This development is further increasing the tension in the Middle East. On one hand, the Israel-Hamas conflict and the issue of hostages are serious, while on the other hand, the news of Iran’s arms manufacturing is posing a threat to regional stability.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Israel warned that if Hamas does not release all the hostages and lay down arms, Gaza City will be destroyed.
- The Hostage and Missing Families Forum said to Trump, “Mr. President, there are 50 hostages. The life of every hostage is precious to us.”
- Last week, people in Israel demonstrated for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
- Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh claimed that the Islamic Republic has set up weapons manufacturing facilities in several countries.
Iran’s Defense Minister said that missile development is his priority, but priorities may change after the war with Israel. He did not specify which countries these facilities are located in, but stated that their formal inauguration will take place soon.
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